Electrochemical Pathogen Sensor With Smartphone Result Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting viruses and bacterial pathogens are slow and limited to laboratory settings, necessitating a broader range of application venues and diverse training for rapid and accurate detection.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrochemical sensing platform devices and processes for self-testing, clinical use, and mass use, utilizing a single or multiple electrochemical sensing platforms for detecting viruses and bacterial pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, MRSA, and other pathogens, with data interpretation via smartphone apps and network processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional laboratory-based detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but detection speed is slow and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into separate functional modules: sample collection devices, electrochemical sensing cartridges, portable readers, and smartphone applications. This segmentation enables the system to be deployed in various settings (homes, clinics, laboratories) and performed by users with different levels of training, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces smartphone applications and portable readers as intermediary devices between the electrochemical sensors and the user/health authority. These intermediaries handle data processing, result interpretation, and communication, allowing non-experts to perform and interpret tests accurately, thus improving both speed and accessibility.
2Loss of time
If traditional laboratory-based detection methods are used, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but time consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-functionalized electrochemical sensors with pathogen-specific binding elements (such as antibodies or aptamers) that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex sample processing and reagent preparation during testing, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining detection accuracy through the pre-optimized sensor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical processing steps of traditional laboratory methods with electrochemical detection. The electrochemical sensors directly detect pathogen presence through electrical signal changes, eliminating the need for time-consuming culturing, staining, or complex biochemical assays, thus reducing testing time while preserving accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detection is confined to laboratories, then specialized equipment is available, but application venue availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electrochemical sensing platform with universal applicability across multiple settings (homes, clinics, laboratories). The same basic sensor technology and smartphone application can be used in all these venues, with the only requirement being a simple sample collection step. This universality dramatically expands application venue availability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-testing capability where individuals can collect their own samples and perform detection without professional assistance. The automated electrochemical detection and smartphone-based result interpretation eliminate the need for trained personnel and complex equipment operation, allowing the system to be deployed in diverse venues including homes and remote areas.
4Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented, then treatment timing is improved, but training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates smartphone applications that provide real-time feedback during the testing process, guiding users through sample collection, cartridge insertion, and result interpretation. The system automatically monitors detection signals and communicates results to users in simple terms, eliminating the need for extensive training while maintaining high detection throughput through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual indicators (such as color changes on the test cartridge or smartphone display) to communicate detection results to users. These intuitive visual signals allow users to quickly understand test outcomes without requiring technical knowledge or extensive training, enabling rapid detection to be performed by anyone regardless of background.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, accurate, and widespread detection of pathogens outside laboratories, facilitating self-testing, clinical reporting, and mass testing with results transmitted to smartphones and databases for interpretation and reporting to health authorities.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a sensor impedance with the sensor in the presence of the patient sample
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclose a sensor for detecting an analyte including at least one substrate, a first conductive layer added to the at least one substrate forming an electrode pattern with at least two working electrodes and one counter electrode, a second conductive layer added to the first conductive layer that forms the electrode pattern with at least two working electrodes and one counter electrode, at least one single-stranded molecule bound to the second conductive layer, wherein the at least one single-stranded molecule binds to the analyte when complementary single-stranded molecules bond together to form a double-stranded molecule, and wherein the binding of the at least one single-stranded molecule bound to the second conductive layer and at least one single-stranded molecule of the analyte generates a profile response indicative of at least a positive or negative or inconclusive test result.